Har Ki Pauri: History | Importance | Puja and Rituals | Festivals
Har Ki Pauri is a ghat located on the banks of the river Ganga in the Hindu Holy City of Haridwar. Har Ki Pauri means the feet of God Vishnu. It is said that at this specific place, Goddess Ganga leaves the mountains and enters the plains.
Thousands of followers and tourists come here from all over the world to take a holy dip. It is believed that a dip in the holy river Ganga washes off all the sins of humans and provides Moksha.
History:
The origin of Har Ki Pauri is not easy to ascertain since the place is ancient and dates back to Pre Vedic times. However many schools suggest that it was established in its current form by King Vikramaditya who built this sacred ghat in the 1st century BC in memory of his brother Bharthari. He used to come here to meditate on the banks of the river Ganga.
Several temples were built on the steps of the ghats. And most of them were built in the late 19th century. An extension of ghats took place by Pandit Hargyan Singh Katara, a Zamindar of Agra in 1938. Later it was again renovated in 1986.
Significance:
Har Ki Pauri got its name from the feet of Lord Vishnu because the footprints of God Vishnu, Vishnu Charan Paduka are believed to be imprinted on the wall below the water of Ganga here. According to Hindu belief, Haridwar is one of the four places where drops of Amrit accidentally spilled from the Kumbha when Lord Garuda the celestial bird of Lord Vishnu was carrying it.
And the place where the nectar fell is called Brahma Kund at Har Ki Pauri. Also, it is strongly believed that the Trinity Gods of Hindu i.s. Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahadev visited the Brahma Kund in Har Ki Pauri. Therefore it is a holy place for Shaivites i.e. the followers of Lord Shiva.
Har Ki Pauri is the place where thousands of followers converge and the festivities begin during the Kumbar Mela, which is celebrated every 12 years, and Ardh Kumbh Mela which is celebrated every 6 years.
Puja and Rituals:
Ganga Aarti takes place every late afternoon in Har Ki Pauri. Pilgrims gather on the banks of the holy river Ganga to pray to the mighty river and chant hymns. At the time of aarti, the priest holds large bowls in their hands and gongs start ringing in the temples.
Devotees float diyas on the river which symbolizes their love and devotion. Other than this people visit this place to perform Shradh Puja or the Pitra Paksha is conducted to pay homage to departed and beloved ancestors. Ganga Puja is conducted two times, morning puja from 05:45 am to 06:15 am, and late afternoon puja from 06:00 pm to 06:30 pm. In winter afternoons puja is held from 05:00 pm to 05:30 pm.
Festivals:
Festivals celebrated in Har Ki Pauri are:
1. Kumbh Mela: It is held every 12 years in Haridwar, and worshippers from all over the world come here to take the holy dip. It is a major pilgrimage and festival in Hinduism.
2. Ardh Kumbh Mela: It is held every 6 years in Haridwar.
3. Vaisakhi: It is a harvest festival for North Indians and is celebrated in April. It marks the ripening of the rabi harvest and is celebrated with great devotion.
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